Overview

• Grizzly 399, a 28-year-old bear famous for her visibility and social media following, was killed by a car south of Grand Teton National Park on October 22.
• The accident occurred when the bear unexpectedly stepped onto the road; the driver was not speeding or distracted, according to officials.
• Grizzly 399 leaves behind a yearling cub named Spirit, who is expected to survive independently as it approaches denning season.
• The bear's death highlights the growing issue of wildlife-vehicle collisions in Wyoming, where over 7,600 such incidents occur annually.
• Conservationists advocate for wildlife crossings to prevent future accidents, citing successful examples from other regions.